Republican congressman: Pharma could be in control of marijuana under Sched III, Schumer on SAFE Banking, Cannabis amendments and USDA hemp report
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Top Things to Know
Rep. Matt Gaetz (R – FL) expressed concern that the Biden Administration might not “go further than moving marijuana to Schedule III” if it does not go beyond this.
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, a Democratic Representative, sent President Joe Biden an open letter in which he expressed “gratitude” over a recommendation to reschedule marijuana. However, he said that more action was needed regarding cannabis banking, immigration and criminal justice concerns, as well as federal enforcement.
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Polis has asked Biden to clarify that, under Schedule III of the Drug Act, “FDA won’t bring a violation action against companies who products and activities have been authorized by state laws governing medical marijuana and recreational marijuana.”
Senate Majority leader Chuck Schumer (DNY) stated in a speech on the floor that “making progress with cannabis through SAFE Banking Act is a top priority” but that this and other issues would require “bipartisan collaboration” and “a great deal of work and compromis” to be resolved.
Members of Congress from both parties have filed amendments to stop federal agencies testing job candidates for marijuana. They also want military personnel to be encouraged to do psychedelic research and increase waivers for recruits who tested positive for cannabis.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has published an updated version of a guide on how to describe, identify and evaluate the different varieties of hemp. This is part of its efforts to rebuild a government-owned seed bank that was destroyed when prohibition ended.
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, a Democrat, dismissed concerns over high marijuana prices by saying that the state had a “growing” industry and pointing out that “nearly 30% of the revenue we get from our cannabis industry comes from visitors from outside the state.”
Federal
Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-MN, tweeted: “More than 88% of Americans are in favor of legalizing cannabis.” We need federal cannabis legislation that focuses on the damage criminalization has caused, particularly to Black and Brown communities.
Rep. Dina Titus, D-NV tweeted: “Marijuana doesn’t belong in Schedule I under the Controlled Substances Act. That’s what I and 24 of my colleagues wrote to @POTUS at the end of last year.” As a member the Cannabis Caucus I am pushing the federal government follow Nevada’s lead.”
/ STATES
Delaware Gov. John Carney (D), Delaware Governor, appointed members to Marijuana Appeals Commission.
A New Jersey Assemblymember has introduced legislation to require marijuana packaging and labeling in order to reduce the consumption of marijuana by children.
Kentucky regulators have issued emergency rules regarding hemp-derived cannabinoid product.
Missouri regulators have issued guidelines on the creation of template items for packaging marijuana and item approval integration.
California regulators said they want to “do more” to stop so-called fake unions that marijuana businesses sign labor peace agreements with.
Oregon regulators have formed advisory committees for psilocybin regulations.
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/ LOCAL
A marijuana company is suing officials in Hopewell Borough, New Jersey over allegations that they improperly helped another firm get a license.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Fiji’s Cabinet approved a feasibility study on medical cannabis.
Officials from the Spanish utilities blame recent blackouts in part on illegal marijuana cultivation operations.
Top Irish police officials expressed “grave concern” about the legalization of drug use.
The mayor of Copenhagen, Denmark is warning foreigners to avoid buying marijuana in an area where gang wars over cannabis have led to shootings.
/ SCIENCE AND HEALTH
According to a study, “almost one-third of cancer patients use marijuana, mostly for symptom relief.”
The Vancouver Police Department continues to seize illicit drugs even when no arrest has been made. This “may pose health and safety risk to PWUD, as it forces PWUDs to engage with the unregulated illegal drug market.”
/ ADVOCACY / OPINION AND ANALYSIS
In a UK survey, 36 percent of adults aged 18-24 and 30 percent between 25-49 are interested in using psilocybin for mental health issues.
The Austin American-Statesman’s editorial board has called on Texas legislators to legalize drug-testing strips during a special session.
BUSINESS
Green Thumb Industries Inc. has announced a stock repurchase plan.
TILT Holdings Inc. has sold its interest in a tribal dispensary located on Shinnecock Nation lands to CGSF Investments, LLC.
Columbus Technical College, Georgia, fired its police chief after he failed a marijuana drug screen. He claimed that the failure was due to using legal CBD products.
Illinois retailers sold recreational marijuana products worth $139,2 million in August.
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The article Colorado Gov presses Biden to take cannabis action (Newsletter, September 6, 2023) appeared first on Marijuana Moment.
